After squirting a substance on the shoes of two people walking in the French Quarter around 2:45 p.m. Tuesday, a 47-year-old man claimed he had shined the folks' footwear, demanded money and wasn't satisfied until he and a friend accompanying him bullied the couple into paying $40, according to the New Orleans Police Department. Robert Funches and his friend, 44-year-old Bryant Brown Jr., didn't have much time to spend the cash - they were quickly arrested and booked with simple robbery.

Police allege the victims, a husband and wife, were walking in the 600 block of Decatur Street when Funches and Brown stopped them. Funches squirted the husband's shoes and wanted $10, said a press release written by Detective Michael Flores of NOPD's 8th District, which patrols the French Quarter.

The husband handed over $20. Then, police say, Funches squirted the wife's shoes and demanded another $10. Funches and Brown allegedly blocked the couple's path until they gave up the cash.

The husband and wife then feared Funches and Brown would hurt them if they didn't pass on even more money, so they surrendered an additional $10, Flores wrote. The couple subsequently flagged down 8th District Sgt. Ernest Luster, who called for backup; and NOPD officer Doug Butler soon apprehended Funches and Brown.

Robert Funches, 47, left; and Bryant Brown, 44OPCSO

Authorities are familiar with Funches and Brown, whom Flores described as "scam artists." Funches has a history of begging, obstructing public passages, aggressive solicitation, battery and narcotics violations. Meanwhile, police said, Brown's past includes arrests for drug offenses, aggravated battery, simple robbery, possession of stolen property, theft, resisting arrest, trespassing, disturbing the peace, begging and obstructing a public passage.

Records show bail for Funches was set at $2,500. For Brown, it was set at $5,000. They each remained in jail Thursday.

Simple robbery in Louisiana can carry up to seven years in prison and a maximum fine of $3,000.

Note: An earlier version of this story misreported Funches' age as 36, based on an incorrect birthday supplied by police. He is actually 47.